It is all part of Great North Snowdogs, an ambitious mass art project created by St Oswald’s Hospice, which will lead to a dog trail around the region.

For ten weeks next autumn and winter, the region’s streets, parks and open spaces will be home to a series of individually designed Snowdog sculptures, painted by both well-known and undiscovered artists.

Once the trail ends, the sculptures will be auctioned at a glittering event in December 2016, to raise funds for St Oswald’s Hospice Children’s Service.

Jane Hogan, Great North Snowdogs project lead, said: “This event is set to bring the whole region together to celebrate our cultural identity, while raising funds to support the local children’s hospice.”